Samantha Twardowski
and Sam Katigan
Photography by Matthew Shelley with John Cain Photography
August 7, 2021 / Fort Worth
SAM² — THE WEDDING
Samantha and Sam wanted the wedding to represent who they are as a couple. They both wanted traditional style, but also put a spin on some things.
Luxe all-white florals were an obvious choice per their classic taste, but they got playful with a custom wedding crest that paid homage to their names—Sam².
It was the focal point on their invitations, and was brought to life with pavé roses and displayed at the top of the stairs where guests ascended to the reception ballroom.
The ceremony space was beyond dreamy with clear lucite accents and an oyster pearl acrylic aisle runner that led to a softly draped altar. Voluminous floral arrangements surrounded the bride and groom on an elevated stage—they said “I do” while perched above their guests.
The reception space twinkled. The head table, in particular, was a moment. Ivory florals and sparkling, snow-textured linens blanketed it, and tapered and floating candles cast a gorgeous glow.
Guests were invited to transition between the ballroom and a tented patio. The terrace tent featured an additional bar, lounge seating and a photo booth. Furniture vignettes were staged on either side of the space, boasting pieces with plush velvet in hues of champagne and navy.
The bride’s cake was incredible—its five tiers were designed to mimic her gown’s brocade floral design. Fresh flowers formed a base and crowned the top. As delicious as it was beautiful, the Creme de la Creme Cake Company confection concealed a decadent Chambord filling. The groom’s cake was also a feast for the eyes—a replica of Vail Mountain. The base of the mountain featured a firepit with friends enjoying Jameson, the groom’s favorite whiskey. Its yellow cake was bourbon-infused, with Texas pecans and chocolate truffle buttercream.
A dress that inspired a cake—it had to be a timeless Reem Acra stunner. The strapless silk brocade gown had a demure belt, full skirt and chapel-length train. A cathedral veil with silk trim designed by Homa Veil Creations made the look all the more dreamy.
“BOOTS & BLAZERS” REHEARSAL DINNER
The Katigans hosted a rehearsal dinner and welcome party at The Fort Worth Club. Guests were invited to dress in “boots and blazers;” they donned their best cowboy hats and Western boots.
In similar Fort Worth fashion, the venue décor was classy, rustic and masculine—a nod to the groom. Florals fittingly used seasonal Texas foliage: pampas grasses, antique hydrangea, peonies, Queen Anne’s lace, plumous, blue delphinium, privet berries and eucalyptus.
Rustic touches included metallic burlap linens, deer antler centerpieces, wooden cross-back chairs, woven rattan chargers, cowhide banquettes and tree-branch side tables.
Guests were assigned to tables with different Texas themes, reflective of the bride and groom’s time living in Cowtown. Custom cocktail napkins were a cute nod to the couple’s love of Fort Worth.
Wedding Vendors We Love
Wedding Vendors
Photography: Matthew Shelley with John Cain Photography, Dallas; Venue, caterer and drink service: River Crest Country Club, Fort Worth; Wedding planner: Caroline Fair with Caroline Events, Dallas; Flowers: Bella Flora, Dallas; Furniture rentals: Bella Acento, Dallas; Other rentals: Center Stage Floors, Dallas; Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting; Photo booth: The Photo Cabana, Dallas; Wedding cake and groom’s cake: Creme de la Creme Cake Company, Fort Worth; Band: Jordan Kahn Orchestra, Dallas; Ceremony music: Dallas String Quartet; Invitations: Southern Fried Paper, Dallas; Wedding dress and veil: Warren Barrón Bridal, Dallas; Bridesmaid dresses: Dessy, New York; Groom and groomsmen attire: John L. Ashe, Fort Worth and The Black Tux, Dallas; Jeweler: Genovese Jewelers, St. Louis, Missouri; Wedding bands: BC Clark, Oklahoma City; Hair and makeup: Ashley McNabb Artistry, DFW; Transportation: AJL International, Irving
Rehearsal Wedding Vendors
Photography: Matthew Shelley with John Cain Photography, Dallas; Rehearsal dinner venue, caterer, drink service and desserts: The Fort Worth Club, Fort Worth; Planner: Caroline Fair with Caroline Events, Dallas; Flowers: Bella Flora, Dallas; Furniture rentals: Bella Acento, Dallas; Lighting: Stage 2 Lighting, Dallas; Band: The Redwine Band, Dallas; Invitations: Southern Fried Paper, Dallas; Bride and groom hats: Kemo Sabe, Aspen, Colorado